Proposed New Vb rules New Landing Area: By Hugh McCutcheon Originally published in VolleyballUSA, Summer 2013 issue To subscribe, visit this page for more information A recent meeting was held by the FIVB to discuss major rule changes in volleyball. I attended as a member of the FIVB Coaches Commission, and there was widespread representation from many entities in the global volleyball community, including members of the FIVB presidency, presidents and secretaries of all FIVB commissions and representatives from NBC, Brazilian television and the FIVB marketing and events staff. The primary focus of the meeting was to take a close look at the current rules of the game and the current match presentation and protocol to see if we could propose changes that, in our opinion, would lead to less variance in match duration, more rallies (increased length of rally and reduced number of service errors) and an event that is more exciting and easier to understand (simpler and more objective) for spectators. It has been proposed that these potential rule changes be tested at the U23 level in 2013 and then considered for implementation. Here is a list of the rules under consideration along with my take on how likely it is that they will be implemented: Decrease the number of points per set Two systems were discussed – best 3-of-5 sets to 21 points and best 4-of-7 sets to 15 points with the intention of trying to limit the game to two hours of total playing time. Likelihood that this will become a permanent rule: Likely to go with best 3-of-5 sets to 21 points. Servers land behind the end line Intention is to reduce the attractiveness of the jump spin serve and, consequently, possibly reduce service errors. Likelihood that this will become a permanent rule: Likely. Back row attackers land behind the 3-meter (10-foot) line Intention is to reduce effectiveness of back-row attack and therefore reduce the number of viable offensive options in any given rotation, thus giving the block and defense less to worry about. Likelihood that this will become a permanent rule: Possible. Any contact with the center line is a violation Intention is to keep attackers off the net (which will help the defense), reduce injury and simplify the rule. Likelihood that this will become a permanent rule: Likely (Strong support from the FIVB medical commission.) Any net touch by an athlete is a violation Again, intention is to keep hitters off the net and simplify the rule.Likelihood that this will become a permanent rule: Possible. Eliminate open hand tips. Intention is to help the defense. Hitters can use the pokey or fist but cannot tip their way out of trouble. Hopefully this would lead to longer rallies and would eliminate the referees’ subjective opinion regarding offensive lift or carry so that the game becomes simpler for spectators to understand. Likelihood that this will become a permanent rule: Possible. Narrow the court from 9 meters to 8 meters Intention is to shorten the distance that the blockers have to travel (therefore reducing the court space that hitters have to attack into) giving further advantage to the defense.Likelihood that this will become a permanent rule: Unlikely. Eliminate technical time outs in games to 21 points Intention would be to replace technical timeouts with the following: Coaches have two 1-minute timeouts that they can use at any time. If neither team calls a timeout before a team reaches 11 points, a TV timeout is automatically called. Likelihood that this will become a permanent rule: Possible. Eliminate overhead serve receive Intention is to increase the attractiveness of the jump float (especially in the men’s game) by forcing receivers to pass underhand. Also eliminates the subjectivity of the lift call. Likelihood that this will become a permanent rule: Possible. Leave the libero on the court full time by allowing them to sub freely If the middle blocker is serving (assuming that is who you are usually replacing with your ‘bro), the libero can play for you OH or S/Opp for that sequence of serves. This keeps the best defender on the court all the time and hopefully leads to more digs. Likelihood that this will become a permanent rule: Possible. Penalties for missed serve The intention is to penalize a team for making too many service errors. Likelihood that this will become a permanent rule: Possible – but not much clarity on how it might occur. Free substitutions – any player can sub in for any player at any time Intention is to speed up and simplify the substitution process. Also allows coaches more freedom for tactical subbing. Likelihood that this will become a permanent rule: Possible. Shrink the court to 8 meters x 8 meters Again, intention is to make it tougher for the offense and hopefully lead to more rallies. Likelihood that this will become a permanent rule: Unlikely. Hugh McCutcheon is the head coach of the Minnesota women’s indoor volleyball team and a former U.S. Women’s and Men’s National Volleyball Teams coach. He was the head coach of the U.S. Men’s gold-medal winning team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the head coach of the U.S. Women’s silver-medal winning team at the 2012 London Olympics. Hugh is the secretary of the FIVB Coaches Commission.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 20:46:18 +0000
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